#2 – In a coma

"Matsumoto," called Hitsugaya.

Matsumoto's head popped out from behind the door.

"Nani, taichou?" asked Matsumoto.

"Take over for me. I'm going for a walk."

Matsumoto knew that Hitsugaya knew how much she hated paperwork but she knew he wasn't going for a walk. He was going to see Hinamori Momo, in the 4th Division Building so Matsumoto didn't argue. Instead she nodded, came over to take the paperwork and left for her room. As soon as Matsumoto left, Hitsugaya murmured, "Arigatou, Matsumoto."

In Hinamori's room, all was quiet. The room had a blue tint to it and barely any sunlight can get pass the thick curtains. Unohana-taichou met Hitsugaya at the doorway. She knew how much Hinamori meant to him and always made sure that whenever he visited, he was alone, for she was sure that he didn't want anyone else in the room. It was as if they had entered a world of their own in the room.

"Good luck, Hitsugaya-taichou," whispered Unohana and left.

Hitsugaya took up the seat next to Hinamori's bed and looked at her pale face. There were no emotions on that face; it was blank. Hitsugaya longed to see the smile light up on her face once again; that smile would mend his heart which was filled with pain and sorrow. If only he was stronger, if only he realized Hinamori was following him, if only he realized that Aizen was the traitor; all this wouldn't be happening at all and Hinamori would probably be beside him laughing at his lame jokes from childhood.

Hitsugaya sighed. He would give anything to see Hinamori opening her brown eyes and repeating that nickname she always uses. For once, Hitsugaya wouldn't mind if Hinamori called him Shirou-chan. In fact, he absolutely welcomed it but Hinamori wouldn't be saying anything to anyone for now. Her physical wounds had healed but according to Unohana-taichou, she's probably fighting a battle in her mind. Deep in her thoughts, Hitsugaya wondered if Hinamori would ever wake up.

Hitsugaya hit himself on the head. Baka, of course she'll wake up. Have some faith in her, he said to himself mentally.

Hitsugaya reached out to hold Hinamori's hand. Her hand was cold like it has been ever since he started visiting.

"Hinamori…please wake up…" Hitsugaya whispered, even though he knew Hinamori couldn't hear him.

Hitsugaya continued watching her for what seemed like two hours. Unohana-taichou came in and saw that the child prodigy had fallen asleep next to Hinamori's bed. She smiled and gently shook him awake.

"Sumimasen, Hitsugaya-taichou, but I have to do check-ups on her now. You're welcome to come back tomorrow," she smiled and Hitsugaya thanked her.

Hitsugaya made it to the doorway before stopping and turned around.

"Ano…Unohana-taichou, do you have an idea about when she is going to wake up?" asked Hitsugaya, desperate to get a positive reply.

"Iie…Hitsugaya-taichou…no one knows. Sumimasen," replied the 4th Division captain.

Hitsugaya thanked her and walked back to his room. On the table was a stack of paperwork, completed down to the last full stop. Hitsugaya smiled. Matsumoto was never like this. Matsumoto must have felt pity upon him. Hitsugaya sighed. He hated it when people pitied him. It made him feel really vulnerable and weak but on the other hand, Matsumoto was his vice-captain and should do the paperwork anyway.

"Arigatou."